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BAILLARGEON -- Berniece E. Baillargeon, 85, a resident of Albuquerque, NM, was carried away by angels to the waiting arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, March 21, 2006. Berniece was born on October 1, 1920 in Young America, MN, the daughter of George and Clara Olsen. She is now in the presence of those who preceded her in death: her parents; beloved husband, Benedict J. Baillargeon; sons, Bernard T. Walfoort and Randall J. Baillargeon; daughter, Benita M. (Baillargeon) Riley; brothers, Dwayne Olsen and William Dunkel; and grandson, William B. Walfoort, Jr. Berniece is survived by her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Lucy and Steven Dron of Albuquerque, NM; loving son, William B. Walfoort, Sr. and wife, Alice of Stillwater, MN; brothers, Fred Sr., Robert, and Richard Dunkel, of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren, Lisa Walfoort, Dana (and husband, Rick) Kuntz; and great-grandchildren, Abbey, Sara, and Alex Kuntz. Everyone who met Berniece knew immediately this was a very special lady, who had an incredibly warm and magnetic personality, with a vibrant exuberance for life. Always a trendsetter, she loved fashions, jewelry, and anything with style. Berniece loved to laugh, sing, shop, read, bake, and gamble. She could make even a tedious chore fun. She loved to talk and tell stories, was quick to laugh, and treated everyone she met as an "instant friend". Even during periods of adversity and sadness in her life, she always maintained her strength of character and kept on smiling. "Look on the bright side" was her common saying. Her sanguine ways, love of life, quick wit and contagious humor brightened the day for many who knew her. During WWII, Berniece was a "WOW" girl (Woman Ordnance Worker) at the U.S. Army Ammunition Arsenal, New Brighton, MN. As Lead Operator, she supervised the making of 50 caliber bullets for the war effort, working for two years straight without a day off. In 1962, Berniece and Ben moved to AZ, where soon after she founded the first library in Arizona City, AZ, and took great pride in being the librarian there. She also volunteered for many years at the Humane Society Thrift Shop and was active in the DAV and Moose Lodge auxiliaries in Casa Grande, AZ. Berniece and Ben retired to Las Vegas, NV in 1983. After Ben's death, she moved to Albuquerque, NM in 1994. During her last painful months of her valiant battle against cancer, with dignity and grace and no complaints, Berniece was a living example of strong spiritual faith and courage. In spite of her pain, she still sang her favorite songs, and remained upbeat even in the face of death, and showed us a calm and cheerfulness rarely seen. Berniece will be sorely missed by the many whose lives she touched. Christian Services and burial took place on Tuesday, March 28, 2006, in Las Vegas, NV, in the city she so loved. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 505-343-8008, and Palm Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV. Berniece's family would like to express deep gratitude to the staffs of Marler Manor and Heritage Hospice for the love and tender care they provided, and to Joy, her special friend. A Memorial Celebration is planned for Saturday, April 8, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. at Marler Manor, 3712 General Patch NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87111.
        Published on: Thu April 06, 2006